While she was already a WMC Muay Thai World Champion, Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom has taken her career to new heights with a pair of stunning knockouts at the ONE Friday Fights event series in Bangkok.
Those victories earned the Thai slugger a US$100,000 contract with ONE Championship, and she’ll make her North American primetime debut at ONE Fight Night 12: Superlek vs. Khalilov on Prime Video on Friday, July 14.
That evening, Phetjeeja will face off against former ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Lara Fernandez, and she’s thrilled about her chance to compete at such a big event.
“The Queen” is still buzzing from the whirlwind few months she’s enjoyed in the world’s largest martial arts organization – a stretch that has turned her life around.
She told ONEFC.com:
“I was shocked [when I got the contract]. I never thought I could sign a contract with ONE Championship and represent the Thai people to show our national martial art to the world. I want to thank Mr. Chatri [Sityodtong – ONE Chairman and CEO] for offering me the contract.
“I feel like I’m more recognized now. The kids look up to me as their idol. I’m more well-known among international fans. Sometimes when I go out, I often receive greetings from strangers. That makes me feel good.”
With her previous World Title credentials and back-to-back finishes at ONE Friday Fights, Phetjeeja has become widely regarded as a potential future challenger for the gold in her division.
But while the 21-year-old would be thrilled to face reigning queen Allycia Hellen Rodrigues, she’s humble enough to accept that she always needs to keep improving and prove she truly belongs among the elite.
The Thai striker said:
“I need to level myself up to be better and better. I believe that if I train hard enough, I have a chance to be on par with all of the other fighters in the division. But this will definitely be a difficult path for me.
“Of course, my eyes are on the champion. If I can perform well enough in my debut, I want to test my skills with the champ, if possible. Allycia Hellen Rodrigues is so strong and tough. After she came back [from pregnancy], she is much stronger and sharper.
“Whether ONE wants me to take a shot for gold right away or they want me to prove myself for a few more fights, that’s fine for me. I’m more than ready to challenge Allycia Hellen Rodrigues if they give me a shot.”
